Golombeski: Using Integrity to Support Community
Alis Golombeski, vice president of ag lending at Sibley State Bank, strives to always do her best for her consumers and for herself. She wants to help those in her community reach their goals, but she also wants to hold herself to a high standard. This drive and integrity led her to a career in community banking. “As a community banker, you are able to serve and watch your communities prosper,” she said.
She feels that her involvement with the IBA has allowed her to grow her career skills and build a strong network of peers. Golombeski has graduated from IBA’s Ag Credit School and the Iowa School of Banking. She added, “It was evident to me that the expert speakers at these events wanted to empower and inform the next generation of community bankers. At IBA’s different events, there is always time for networking amongst your peers, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Also, if you are trying to revamp or implement something in your own bank, there is probably someone out there who has already done this and is willing to help you be successful.”
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
When asked to reflect on my banking career, I am most proud of taking the opportunity to get back into community banking after working for Farm Service Agency. I had been in community banking since 2016, and it was all I knew in the work force before life lead me in a different direction. Farm Service Agency gave me insight on how to be a better community banker. In 2021, I was able to get back into community banking and continue to grow in my career.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
The best piece of advice that I can give to someone thinking about a career in banking is to make sure you explore all of opportunities that banking presents. Banking is not just all loans and deposits – Banking includes IT, operations, marketing, human resources, wealth management, and sometimes insurance. Banking is a well-rounded industry that provides a stable work environment with excellent benefits and work/life balance. Even if you are not a numbers person, banking can still be for you.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking boils down to helping people make their dreams come true while holding yourself to high integrity. As a community banker, you are able to serve and watch your communities prosper.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Getting involved with IBA has helped me build a lot of knowledge and grow my network of like-minded people. I have successfully completed IBA’s Ag Credit School and Iowa School of Banking. Both of these programs gave me an opportunity to learn from the experts of our industry. It was evident to me that these experts wanted to empower and inform the next generation of community bankers. At IBA’s different events, there is always time for networking amongst your peers, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Also, if you are trying to revamp or implement something in your own bank, there is probably someone out there who has already done this and is willing to help you be successful. Additionally, the IBA helped me get involved with and now serve on the Women in Banking Committee. This committee helps to promote women within the banking industry.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When not at work, I enjoy golfing, reading, going on vacation and dirt track racing. In addition, one of my favorite past times is helping raise money for Lakota Hunting with Heroes which is a 5013C non-profit that provides for veterans in southern Minnesota, all of Iowa and southeast South Dakota.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Attitude is everything and can affect everything you do in life, so make sure it’s positive!